Nov 01, 2022
BUSINESS MATTERS: A Time of Thanksgiving
By Glen J. Dalakian Sr.
An attitude of gratitude resonates to the benefit of everyone around you. This is a valuable trait for an entrepreneur to exhibit, and it leads to a healthier, more successful life. November is a time when the holidays start to bring Thanksgiving into focus, and it seems that across our great nation, people recognize the joy in it. Year-end can also be a busy time for businesses, especially those in the retail market, but don’t let the high pace of the season and the pending grab for Black Friday and other anticipated revenue spikes cloud your judgment when it comes time for Thanksgiving.
In past years, I have written to remind us of the history behind the American Thanksgiving holiday, made official by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. For a moment, let’s focus on the root of the words used to describe this federal holiday and how they impact our professional and personal lives. “Thanks” should be a natural expression for any business owner who has found any level of success. “Giving” is in the heart of every entrepreneur, as truly they give and give to serve their families, their teams and others in a variety of areas. In reality, Thanksgiving is a beneficial concept. Whether we do it in the context of an annual holiday or better, we have the “attitude of gratitude” every day, most people would agree thanks and giving have universal value.
What does giving look like for a leader trying to build their organization? First, a disposition toward a caring giving nature connects with people. They can feel your generosity (I gave a client an unexpected discount recently, and when he saw the lower number, he wrote to me “Thank you for the gift,” which I believe is the beginning of a long and mutually advantageous relationship). Those near you see it in you and therefore are more intrigued about working with and around you. In addition, a giving heart is one that can find calm and peace more readily, and therefore, it can bring health and vitality into stressful environments.
Why give thanks? There are more reasons than I could write, but thankfulness affords us the opportunity to step out of the pressures of the moment, even at the most negative times. We can better evaluate our relationships and reflect on all we have to be thankful for, which can lead to an enhanced perspective on our business and our life. When we count our blessings, it releases positive emotions in us that can strengthen our resolve and even clear our minds for productive thoughts.
Have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving! Thanks for reading “Business Matters” and for your encouraging comments over the years, for which I am most grateful. May God bless you and yours.
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – G.K. Chesterton
